John E. Costigan

Costigan, John Edward

American, 1888 - 1972

Explore selected works

The image shows a wooded scene with towering old trees, gnarled branches stretching across the frame. The horizon is not prominently visible. The brushstrokes are intricate and detailed, focusing on texture with hatching and cross-hatching for contrast and shadow. The color palette is monochromatic, emphasizing dark and light tones. In the foreground, a small animal emerges, possibly a fox. Further in the scene, figures and goats are depicted.
John E. Costigan, The Woodsman, c. 1953, etching in black on Rives wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Frank B. Bristow, 1968), 2015.19.1145

The Woodsman

John E. Costigan · c. 1953 · etching in black on Rives wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.1145

This is a drawing featuring two goats and a human figure. The artwork shows two goats, one lying down and one standing, with a human figure crouched close to the resting animal. The goats are detailed with textured fur, horns, and ears. The human figure appears relaxed and engaged with the goats. The use of shading and lines adds depth to the composition, emphasizing the contours and musculature of the subjects. The scene is depicted in a monochromatic palette.
John E. Costigan, Child with Goats, 1940, lithograph in black on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.2820

Child with Goats

John E. Costigan · 1940 · lithograph in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.2820

There is an image showing an idyllic pastoral scene. A woman is sitting on the grass with a child and several goats nearby. In the background, a figure is using a scythe. The horizon is near the upper third of the image, separating the sky from the land with bold, horizontal strokes. The brushstrokes are detailed, emphasizing textures like grass, clothing, and fur. The color palette is monochromatic brown, giving a vintage and somber tone. The land extends towards the horizon with rolling patterns.
John E. Costigan, Society of American Graphic Artists, Cutting Fodder, 1938, etching in black on wove paper, Corcoran Collection, 2015.19.496

Cutting Fodder

John E. Costigan, Society of American Graphic Artists · 1938 · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.496

The image shows a seated woman with a child on her lap amidst a pastoral scene. The woman is leaning slightly back, supported by her right arm, with her head turned to the left. She has a calm expression, with defined facial features and hair covered by a headscarf. The child is looking downwards. Several sheep are depicted around them in varying positions, grazing and resting. Behind them, a man is seen harvesting with a scythe. The backdrop consists of open fields and hills under a clear sky.
John E. Costigan, Cutting Fodder, 1938, etching in black on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.2821

Cutting Fodder

John E. Costigan · 1938 · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.2821

The image shows a landscape with rolling fields and distant structures. The horizon line divides the land and the sky. There are small houses or barns near the horizon. The artwork features detailed, expressive lines for texture and depth. The color palette is monochromatic, with black, grey, and white tones emphasizing light and shadow. Closest to us, figures stand next to a cow on a textured hill. The atmosphere is moody and enhances the rural scene.
John E. Costigan, Philadelphia Society of Etchers, Cloudy Sky, 1935, etching in black on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.2822

Cloudy Sky

John E. Costigan, Philadelphia Society of Etchers · 1935 · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.2822

The image shows an expansive rural scene with a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon line runs across the upper portion of the image, depicting undulating fields stretching into the distance. To the left stands a wooden structure resembling a barn or shed, with vertical lines of wood emphasized in the brushstrokes. Close to us, figures are depicted, including a man carrying a basket, a woman holding a child, and others, portrayed with bold strokes suggesting movement and solidity. Livestock can be seen grazing beyond. The artwork is in monochromatic tones, using light and dark contrasts for an atmospheric effect. The expressive brushstrokes give a dynamic quality to the piece, enhancing the sense of life and motion in this rural scene.
John E. Costigan, On the Farm, 1933, etching and drypoint in black on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.2819

On the Farm

John E. Costigan · 1933 · etching and drypoint in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.2819

The image displays a group of people and animals in a scene of rest or work. In the foreground, a woman holds a baby while a girl kneels beside her. A man stands nearby raising an object. In the background, a horizon separates the sky from the landscape. Two horses are positioned to the left. The artwork uses bold, dynamic brushstrokes with strong lines and cross-hatching. The color scheme is monochromatic, featuring earthy tones and deep shadows.
John E. Costigan, Associated American Artists, Workers of the Soil, 1932 (published 1947), etching in black on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Frank B. Bristow, 1968), 2015.19.1144

Workers of the Soil

John E. Costigan, Associated American Artists · 1932 (published 1947) · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.1144

This is a drawing of an outdoor scene by a stream with figures interacting with their surroundings. The image shows a group of figures near a flowing body of water, surrounded by trees and foliage. Some figures are standing, while others are in different stages of movement near or in the water. A tree's branches overhang the scene as a canopy. Strong lines and shading are used to highlight the depth of the foliage and water. The natural setting is textured with swirling strokes, giving energy and motion to the scene.
John E. Costigan, Associated American Artists, The Bathers, 1932 (published 1937), etching in black on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Frank B. Bristow, 1968), 2015.19.1146

The Bathers

John E. Costigan, Associated American Artists · 1932 (published 1937) · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.1146

The image shows a woman and child depicted from the waist up. The woman is seated, holding the child close to her chest. Her facial features include partially closed eyes, and she has short, wavy hair. The child rests their head against the woman's neck, and has short, smooth hair. The woman is wearing a simple top with long sleeves, while the child is dressed in a garment with long sleeves and pants. The scene is set against a background of intricately drawn, bare tree branches that create an overhanging canopy effect. The image is monochromatic.
John E. Costigan, Associated American Artists, Mother and Child #2, 1930 (published 1938), etching in black on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Frank B. Bristow, 1968), 2015.19.1147

Mother and Child #2

John E. Costigan, Associated American Artists · 1930 (published 1938) · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.1147

This is a drawing of a pastoral scene with a stormy sky. The drawing depicts an expansive landscape with swirling clouds dominating the sky. In the foreground, a woman appears to be sitting on the ground with something on her lap, while another figure stands nearby looking upward. To the right, a cow is shown against the backdrop of a wooden structure and a barren tree. The use of dark, heavy shading and dynamic strokes conveys a sense of drama and movement in the scene.
John E. Costigan, Workers of the Soil, c. 1932, black crayon, John Davis Hatch Collection, 1984.7.28

Workers of the Soil

John E. Costigan · c. 1932 · black crayon ·  Accession ID  1984.7.28